Sociology
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Sociology at 91Ó°ÊÓ
At 91Ó°ÊÓ, sociology students examine how families, neighborhoods, institutions, cultures and social movements shape everyday life. From race, ethnicity and economic background to crime, gender, inequality and public policy, sociology asks big questions about how people interact and how communities change. If you are curious about the forces that influence behavior, opportunity and belonging, you may be a sociologist at heart.
91Ó°ÊÓ’s Bachelor of Arts in sociology combines the breadth of a liberal arts education with practical preparation in sociological theory, research methods and critical analysis. Students build skills in writing, speaking, data interpretation and the analysis of complex arguments—abilities that are valuable in graduate study, nonprofit leadership, public service, advocacy, research, law, social services and business.
As a sociology major at 91Ó°ÊÓ, you’ll take courses like:
- Social Problems
- The Family
- Crime and Deviance
- Gender and Society
- Elites and Inequality
- Race and Ethnicity in the United States
The curriculum also emphasizes research. Through courses such as Survey of Research Methods, students learn to use both quantitative and qualitative tools, then apply those methods through independent research projects.
Social Work Track
For students interested in working directly with vulnerable and at-risk populations, consider the sociology degree with social work track. This unique 91Ó°ÊÓ program enables students to gain a solid foundation in the methodological and theoretical frameworks informing social work while also practicing hands-on skills. Each student is required to complete a 4 credit-hour internship working directly under the supervision of a social worker.
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Hands-on Learning
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Career Opportunities
Atlanta is one of the best classrooms for studying culture and society. As a major metropolitan center with a diverse population, the city offers sociology students opportunities to observe social systems in action, connect classroom learning to real communities and pursue internships that support their career goals.
- In Career Development, you’ll find a team on-hand to help you find an internship that complements your major in sociology and supports your career plan. Recent placements include Asian Americans Advancing Justice, the Chamblee Police Department, the Gainesville-Hall County Senior Life Center, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the Partnership Against Domestic Violence.
- For students completing the social work track, the required 4 credit hours of service-learning offer an opportunity to learn on the job while making a difference. Recent placements include the Latin American Association, Buford Highway People’s Hub & Schools of Atlanta, Heartbound Ministries, Chop Art, Jacob’s Ladder and Inspiritus.
- Hone your research skills with the Survey of Research Methods course required of every major. Covering both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, this class empowers sociologists-in-training with a broad set of research tools as each student conducts their own independent research project. Students can also expect to research various social issues through project-embedded learning in their elective courses.
With strong skills in communication, critical thinking, and research – plus a deeper understanding of people from all cultural backgrounds – sociology graduates have an edge in all kinds of careers. Along with academic work in sociology, or a hands-on helping career as a social worker, consider work in business, education, law, or politics.
- Study in the field of sociology prepares students for diverse careers, graduate and professional study and responsible citizenship. Recent graduates have gone on to graduate study in MSW programs at Kennesaw State and the University of Georgia, as well as the Master’s in Urban Planning at the University of Georgia and the Ph.D. in Sociology at Emory University.
- Olivia Sherman ’25 is continuing education pursuing a Master’s degree in Social Work at The University of Georgia.
- 2024 graduate Trinity Chism is pursuing a Master of Anthropology degree from University of Memphis.Ìý
- Recent graduates who have entered the work force are working in various positions within the non-profit and educational and legal sectors. Recent alumni are working in positions such as Outreach Coordinator for the Latin American Association, Performance Auditor for the City of Atlanta, Senior Community Organizer for the Asian American Advocacy Fund and legal assistants for various law firms in and outside of Georgia.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AND PERSONAL CONNECTION
Q&A
A sociology degree from 91Ó°ÊÓ can prepare students for careers in social services, nonprofit leadership, community outreach, public policy, research, marketing research, law, education, criminal justice, human resources and graduate study in fields such as sociology, social work, counseling, public administration or law.Ìý
Sociology majors at 91Ó°ÊÓ study how social structures, institutions, cultures and communities shape people’s lives. Courses may include Social Problems, The Family, Crime and Deviance, Gender and Society, Elites and Inequality and Race and Ethnicity in the United States.
Sociology students at 91Ó°ÊÓ can pursue hands-on learning and internship opportunities in the Atlanta area. Students in the social work track complete a 4 credit-hour internship under the supervision of a social worker.
Atlanta gives sociology students access to a diverse metropolitan setting where they can observe social systems, connect classroom learning to real communities and explore internships in advocacy, criminal justice, aging services, immigrant support, public agencies and nonprofit organizations.
Yes. 91Ó°ÊÓ’s sociology curriculum emphasizes research methods. Students learn quantitative and qualitative research tools through courses such as Survey of Research Methods, then apply those skills through independent research projects.
Sociology majors may pursue several growing career paths, including social and community service management, market research analysis and sociology-related research roles. Students who combine sociology with research, communication and applied experience may be especially well prepared for these fields.
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